All those things I want to tell you...

Dear Pete

Today was the first time in weeks that I felt happiness. I was whizzing along on my bike, trying to keep in formation in the group and I suddenly realised that I felt happy. Someone else said that they noticed me smiling. It seems a long time since I have felt that kind of intrinsic joy. 

BMCC on the way home to Bicester

We rode 45 miles today, but I have no idea where we went. I learned what the 'whistle' means and tried hard to ride properly in the group. There were a few hills near the cafe, but I didn't get out of the big ring. I imagined you coming with us one day, riding my winter bike and giving it your all. I think you would have enjoyed it for the social aspect as much as anything. We had a stop at Wardington Garden Centre where I had a cheese scone - would you believe that I've gone off cake these days?

On Saturday we rode 44 miles to Waterperry garden centre. Each group did a different route and then ended up in the same place.  I don't know if the cafe knew what had hit them!

At Waterperry Garden Centre

The week after you died was the first time I went to BMCC. When we talked about it, you always encouraged me to go and I somehow felt that I had to honour that wish. They seem a lovely bunch and I have been on a few rides now. It makes me sad that I can't tell you all about them.

I have done a lot of climbing recently too. I have this really strong feeling that you would want me to. I know you wanted me to get involved with the Pinnacle Club and so I went along to the May meet at Cwm Dyli that I had told you about. I remember getting to the top of Sub Cneifon Rib and wishing you were there. The evening sun was beautiful and I felt this incredible feeling of elation and I wanted you to be there at the top to share it with me. I did a little bit of leading at the Moelwyns. I really wanted to tell you about that too. It breaks my heart that we will never swing leads on some quality multi-pitch. 

On Cneifon Rib

I went to the meet in Langdale too, it was funny to see your name and your handwriting in the book but Raw Head feels like home to me. We dragged Suki up to Upper Scout but there was no way we could get her over the stile - she spent the day happily sleeping under a big tree instead. I think I need to get her some kind of sled to go in. That would make me fit! 

I led the first pitch of Route 1 at Upper Scout. I really, really wanted to tell you about that. You told me when we went there in April that I should come back and lead it with Andrea and I hoped that you would have been proud of me. Noelle led the top pitch, I went left this time and it was much easier than the ridiculous thing I tried the last time! I hope that by the end of the summer I will have the confidence to lead the upper pitch.

Pinnacle Club meet at Raven Crag, Langdale

The day after your funeral we went to Trowbarrow. Judi, Andrea and I climbed and Suki watched from below. We did the mod a couple of times, once with Judi leading and once with me. It was lovely and gentle and we talked a lot about our memories of you. As I looked out to Morecambe Bay, I knew I was looking at a view that you loved. 

Judi seconding at Trowbarrow

I haven't been to work since the accident. I don't know what on earth has happened to me. I don't understand why the two people that meant the most to me in the world are dead. I don't know what I have done wrong. I miss talking to you and I miss telling you what I have been doing. I miss hearing about your antics and more than anything, I am deeply sad that we will have no more adventures together. We should have been off to Shetland soon, I was so excited to show you somewhere so important to me.

Tripe

But life goes on, I suppose. Suki has to be looked after, I have to try and look after myself. I keep trying to be the best version of me I can be and to do all those things that I know would have made you proud. I am sure that some people think it is strange that I am climbing, running and cycling, but to be honest, I don't know how else to cope. It's just what I have to do.

I miss you.

Love

Mary x